Forgiveness

 

 

The other day I was talking to someone and they said something along the lines of, "it's just so hard to forgive." I have heard that numerous times but at that moment I knew just what to say.

 

I replied. What I told them was that God bestowed mercy and grace upon us, every day of our lives He does. He forgives when we wrong Him and others. He doesn't hold grudges when we say we are truly sorry.

 

 

I read this morning with Grant some great verses out of Acts. The one that stuck out to me the most was Acts 7:60.

 

 

Stephen was being stoned to death by the people in Jerusalem for preaching the Gospel.

 

 What amazes me is what he said...

 

 

 

And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge.

 

 

 

He probably was hurting worse at that moment than any of us have in our lives.

 

 

The next sentence says...

 

 

And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

 

 

 

Well, bless the Lord, we all know where he went and where he is!

 

 

 

 

Stephen died with no malice towards his murderers!

 

 

 

I am sure if you are reading this, you have been wronged.

 

 

On many levels and in several situations. You've been wronged.

 

 

Some say, "how could God allow this?"

 

Well, sin allows it. We have a free will. You are for God, or you are against God.

 

The other night WSU was playing. I wanted them to win being that I am a Kansas girl born and raised... but it wasn't the end of the world to me if they lost. Life goes on in my humble opinion.

 

 

It isn't like that with serving God. You are all in. Or all out.

 

 

Those who killed Stephen and those who persecute Christians are not for God.

 

 

But you don't have to be stoning somebody to death to be in the wrong...

 

 

 

 

You have forgiveness that is due to someone in your heart.

 

 

 

 

If we want God to forgive us of our sins, and expect Him to do just that and not hold it against us any longer, what makes us any different in the way we chose to forgive others.

 

 

There may be a person who comes to mind. Just the thought of them makes a knot in your stomach.

 

 

Ask God to release the hatred and anger you have towards them and replace feelings of love and peace.

 

He will do that if you ask Him to.

 

 

Life is too short to die bitter. God is coming back for those without spot or blemish.

 

Clean your heart up. Clean your mind up.

 

 

Make it right with others.

 

 

 

Maybe it's you who needs to say you're sorry.

 

 

 

Whatever the Spirit is telling you to do, do just that.

 

 

 

Please don't waste any more time.

 

 

 

Run to the Father. He will set you free today.

 

 

Today is YOUR day!

 

 

Take some time and read Matthew, chapters 24 and 25.

 

Life changing stuff...

 

Have a blessed Palm Sunday!